Types of Pre-Employment Drug Tests

When you run a business, you’ll need to hire employees to manage the various processes and operations that must be maintained in order to get and stay on top. However, not every candidate that applied to your company will be qualified, so it’s important to conduct pre-employment screenings of all kinds. One screening includes conducting a drug test, in which the candidate is tested for the presence of illicit substances.

Urine Tests

Urine tests are very commonly used to test potential candidates for substances. These tests will show the presence of substances even after the effects of the drug have worn off and are mandated for workplaces that are deemed safety-sensitive by the federal government. Urine tests can detect up to 10 drugs, including cocaine, marijuana, opiates, nicotine, and more.

Saliva Tests

Saliva tests are another common method to test employees for drugs. It involves a technician taking a swab from the mouth and using the materials collected to detect drugs in an individual’s system. To gather accurate results, participants should abstain from eating or drinking before the test. Saliva testing can detect alcohol, ecstasy, opiates, and other substances.

Hair Tests

Hair tests can be used to detect use of substances over a longer period of time than the previously mentioned drug testing software. Screenings that involve hair tests typically cover a 90-day timeframe, so you get a good idea of your candidate’s drug use history. Hair must be taken from a part of the body and tested in a lab to look for the presence of THC, amphetamines, alcohol, opiates, and more.

Your company could benefit greatly from the use of screenings and drug testing for candidates applying for a position within your organization. There are several tests to choose from, so you’ll need to do a bit of research to determine what works best for your business and its current and potential employees.